Police in the US state of Idaho say nine people have been hospitalised and one man is in custody after a mass stabbing at a Boise apartment complex that is home to many refugee families.

Police Chief Bill Bones said all nine were taken to area hospitals, some with life‑threatening injuries, after the attack at the Wylie Street Station Apartment complex near Wylie Lane and West State street.

It was earlier reported that several people had died.

The police did not yet have a suspected motive for the attack but said a 30‑year‑old man was in custody.

Bones said police believe the knife used in the stabbing was discarded by the suspect prior to his arrest.

[Stuff.co.nz]